Cassidy and I have been best friends ever since we were little. We always had a lot in common and something that really brought us close was our passion for gymnastics. Cassidy and I have been doing gymnastics together since we were about three years old, and ever since we’ve been each others rock. The person we lean on for confidence when we can’t find the confidence in ourselves. I can always count on her.

There are so many memories we’ve created in the gym and at meets. Tons of giggles, secrets, good times and even bad times, but no matter what the situation she was always there. A vivid memory of mine that I still remember like it was yesterday was our last State Gymnastics meet. We both wanted to make it our best because we knew after that we wouldn’t be competing together anymore because we’ll soon be competing for our high schools, which we are not in the same one. So we thought, lets really make the best out of the last time we’ll be competing together as a team. This memory will forever be one of favorites and it really showed me what having a friend feels like.

The morning of the meet I just relaxed knowing I still had many hours until I had to go. I texted Cassidy all morning talking about all my mixed emotions. I couldn’t really figure out how I felt. It was a mixture of excitement and sadness knowing it was our last meet. She always understood exactly how I was feeling because she did everything with me. It’s funny to think about how much we each grew with gymnastics..

Before I knew it was time to leave for our meet. It was at Pinkerton High School so it wasn’t a long ride and soon I was walking into the gymnasium with my best friend by my side like always. My stomach had gotten butterflies and I began to get really nervous before warm ups even had started. That was when Cassidy would look at me and say something like, “Gina stop you’ll be great!” She always gave me a lot of encouragement. We then started to stretch out and warm up all the events. My favorite event was the Uneven Bars, it was my strongest event as well. My least favorite event was the Balance Beam, which was Cassidy’s strongest event. I always dreaded competing beam and that’s all I could think about.

Once we finished warming up, the meet had begun. We ran out in the dark with glow sticks, and then all the teams got introduced.

“And from Salem, Voter’s Gymnastics,” the lady using the microphone called out.

We saluted with smiles on our faces. After everyone was introduced we all went over to meet the judges at our first event. Luckily for me, it was Bars. Shortly after we greeted the judges it was my turn. I pulled off a strong, confident routine and I was very happy. Yes, starting off strong! I thought to myself. Little did I remember Beam was our second event to compete.

Walking over to beam I felt like I was going throw up. Nothing made me more nervous than that four inches wide piece of wood. Sitting and waiting for it to be my turn was even worse. It just gave me more time to think about everything that could go wrong in my beam routine.

While I was sitting there saying all the negative thoughts that ran through my head, that’s where Cassidy, like always, made me feel ten times better. She told me to just breath and go slow and that I’ll have a great routine. She gave me all the confidence I couldn’t find. Oh no, it was then my turn.

I walked over the to the beam very slowly.

The judge then looked at me and said, “Gina,”and I saluted and smiled. I then reached my hands over onto the beam and began my routine.There was caution with every step and move I made, but as I went along with my routine I just remembered the positive advice Cassidy had given me. Before I knew it I had finished my routine without any falls. I have never been so happy and proud of myself. Who knew what a few words could do? More importantly who knew much having a friend could help.